A Refreshing Italian-Inspired Dish Perfect for Any Occasion
If you’re searching for a light yet satisfying dish that’s quick to make, vibrant in color, and bursting with fresh summer flavors, this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by the traditional Italian Caprese salad, this version adds pasta to make it a more filling and versatile meal—ideal for BBQs, picnics, lunchboxes, or weeknight dinners.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad
✅ Ready in Under 30 Minutes – A fast recipe perfect for busy nights or spontaneous get-togethers.
✅ Fresh and Flavorful – Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze.
✅ Customizable – Add proteins, veggies, or extras based on your taste.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day!
🛒 Ingredients for the Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleaser:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- 1 diced avocado
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
💡 Fresh mozzarella and sweet balsamic glaze are essential for the authentic Caprese experience—don’t skip them!
🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 8–10 minutes.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prep the Fresh Ingredients
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Dice mozzarella if not using pearls.
- Thinly slice the basil leaves.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Pour in the dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add any optional ingredients (avocado, cucumber, etc.).
5. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
Before serving, drizzle extra balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
🔹 Don’t Overcook Pasta – Al dente texture keeps the salad from getting mushy.
🔹 Use Fresh Mozzarella – It’s creamier and more flavorful than shredded varieties.
🔹 Let It Marinate – Resting the salad for 30 minutes enhances flavor.
🔹 Add Dressing Last for Meal Prep – Keeps the pasta fresh and firm.
🔁 Variations & Customizations
➕ Add Protein:
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Sliced prosciutto
- White beans or chickpeas (vegan)
🌱 Vegan Version:
- Swap cheese with dairy-free mozzarella or tofu
- Add chickpeas for protein
🌶️ Flavor Upgrades:
- Red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat
- Fresh oregano or parsley for herby flavor
- Lemon juice instead of balsamic for a citrusy twist
🧺 Serving Suggestions
Serve this chilled Caprese Pasta Salad with:
- 🍗 Grilled chicken or salmon
- 🥖 Crusty garlic bread
- 🍷 A glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon
- 🧺 Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or light summer lunches
🧊 How to Store & Meal Prep
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Add avocado and fresh herbs just before serving.
Freezing:
- Not recommended once dressed.
- You can freeze undressed pasta and add fresh ingredients later.
Meal Prep Tip:
- Keep dressing separate until ready to eat for best texture.
📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Note: Actual nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead recipe. Just store in the fridge and add delicate ingredients like basil or avocado just before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or bowtie work best to hold the dressing and ingredients evenly.
Is this salad meant to be served hot or cold?
Caprese Pasta Salad is best served cold or at room temperature for a refreshing bite.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate fusion of simplicity and flavor. It’s light, fresh, and incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for any occasion from backyard gatherings to weekday lunches.
👉 Give this recipe a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out.
⭐ Don’t forget to rate it, save it, and share with friends!
Happy cooking! 🍅🧀🍝
📌 Save This Recipe for Later
Pin It for Summer Parties & Picnics!
📍 Fresh • Fast • Flavorful
